Tracy Chapman wins CMA “song of the year” for “Fast Car”

[Anonymous]

I think there was a similar analysis of how artists of color are treated in country music w/r/t Lil Nas X and Old Town road. He thinks of himself as a country singer but OTR only became a hit when he sang a version with Billy ray Cyrus.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think there was a similar analysis of how artists of color are treated in country music w/r/t Lil Nas X and Old Town road. He thinks of himself as a country singer but OTR only became a hit when he sang a version with Billy ray Cyrus.

Then how do you explain the wild success of Darius Rucker and Kane Brown?

Go listen to Wagon Wheel. It launched Darius to immediate fame in country music.

Lil Nas X really isn’t a country singer. His music belongs on Hot 99.5 not WMZQ.

[Anonymous]

Country music fans loved Jimmy Buffett. He did multiple songs with country music stars. They honored him on the CMAs last night.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:That's such an old song (which I did not like). How is it now just getting to the ears of country music fans?

never liked it either!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Good song, and good for Tracy Chapman, but Luke Combs adds nothing to the song at all. Just sings it the same way but with a male voice.

I completely agree. He even keeps the “checkout girl” line. Like. Zero changes. Except more bass I guess

[Anonymous]

Just want to say that fast car (original version) makes me cry every time. So soulful, and so hopeful, while being devastatingly sad at the same time. When Luke sings it I dunno I just imagine a deadbeat. Even though the lyrics are the same, and it’s just prejudice on my part. But I don’t like what he makes it sound like. Just me.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:That's such an old song (which I did not like). How is it now just getting to the ears of country music fans?

Interesting. Too emo for you?

[Anonymous]

Tracy Chapman's version is the BEST version of this song. Luke Combs version is sad at best. Anyone who thinks otherwise has terrible taste in music.

[Anonymous]

I’m happy for her getting money and recognitions but it’s kind of a joke that his cover is getting so much recognition. Her version literally gives me chills—if I just heard his version, I would not think it a memorable song. It is also, maybe more than any song I can think of, a song that is so evocative of working class women’s experience — working retail, have to take care of an elderly parent with health issues because everyone expects that and no one else steps up, follows a significant other to another city, significant other basically blows off kids and leaves you with both the bills and the kids….i know this does happen to some guys, these things are all much more commonly experienced by women. It’s almost like hearing a guy complaining about bloating and hot flashes….

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:That's such an old song (which I did not like). How is it now just getting to the ears of country music fans?

OMG. I don't listen to country music and even I have heard the country version (it's not nearly as good as the original, in fact I think it's pretty terrible).

[Anonymous]

I think we can all agree that Tracy Chapman wrote (and performed) and amazing song. The song is so good that even an average country singer who puts no intonation into the song whatsoever can sing it and make hit #1 in the country charts. It's THAT good of a song. Tracy Chapman is amazing!!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Good song, and good for Tracy Chapman, but Luke Combs adds nothing to the song at all. Just sings it the same way but with a male voice.

OP here. I don’t mind his cover, but I do agree it’s kind of a carbon copy. A little more instrumentation and twang but…

True. She gets to earn money, which is good.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think we can all agree that Tracy Chapman wrote (and performed) and amazing song. The song is so good that even an average country singer who puts no intonation into the song whatsoever can sing it and make hit #1 in the country charts. It's THAT good of a song. Tracy Chapman is amazing!!

I've read through the entire thread and I really don't understand why this isn't the take away from the OP. People just want to argue.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm thrilled for Tracy Chapman that this won Song of the Year but sort of nuts that Combs won single of the year for it. I agree that he did nothing to add to a previously great song (except introduce the song to a new generation of listeners and country radio?)

bonkers

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I loved that song so much. Hated the cover. All wrong.

+1. Why mess up with a good thing.